Brookwood eNewsletter
November 3, 2006

 

Brookwood eNewsletter
Wisdom, Honor, Achievement, Citizenship

Brookwood School Mission Statement
The purpose of Brookwood School is to provide an exceptional college-preparatory educational experience to students from four years of age through the twelfth grade.  Brookwood is committed to developing the whole child:  academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.

November 3, 2006
 

FROM THE HEADMASTER...

This school continues to amaze me.  As I expressed to the students, last week's homecoming celebration was a great example of what we stand for; a family atmosphere, students and sponsors going far and beyond the call of duty, and teachers and staff who continue to reach out to help our students and their colleagues.  By no means are we saying that everything is great; we continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of the Brookwood experience.  We are responsible to each one of our stakeholders in providing a safe environment, a college-preparatory education, and developing the whole child academically, socially, spiritually and physically.  Through my observations I feel very confident we are doing just that. At the same time I see teachers wanting to learn more and looking for additional ways to make their classes more interesting than they are already.  Mediocrity is something our teachers do not tolerate from themselves.

As was mentioned in the previous paragraph, we are to provide our students with a "safe environment."  Throughout this country a major problem exists that we too are not immune to...bullying!  I am proud of the way our Lower and Middle Schools have been educating our students concerning this issue.  Over the next few weeks I plan to hold some special meetings with both parents and students to discuss this issue and to make clear the school's policy.  We want to assure everyone that we will not condone this behavior. 

Last week we continued a great number of traditions and a couple of the most important were the crowning of two very important and honorable positions.  During halftime of the junior vs. senior powder puff game, I had the pleasure of placing the Warrior headdress on this year's Warrior Chief, Crighton Allen.  Crighton proudly accepted as he wore the beautiful war bonnet for the remainder of the evening and throughout the next morning's assembly and skit.  Friday evening was the time for our very important Homecoming game against Valwood and also the crowning of this year's Homecoming Queen.   Congratulations to Kendra Bell, Brookwood's 2006 Homecoming Queen.  We are very proud of all our nominees for Warrior Chief and Homecoming Queen!

 Thank you to all who worked so hard on all the activities throughout the week and the many hours of preparation well before the week started.  Special thanks to all our SGA officers and representatives, and to all the teachers who pitched in to help and adjust their homework and testing schedules.   Sponsors Mrs. Katie Cass and Mrs. Amy Stalvey did an outstanding job coordinating and leading the activities throughout the week.      

Thursday night our Fall Family Dinner was a huge success.  Many thanks to our Parent Council led by Mrs. Stacey Forsyth.  Many volunteers helped make this night a great time for all.  Special thanks again go out to Julie Barrett and Jill Richardson.  Also this same evening as everyone present stood, the first Brookwood Hero, Debbie Beeson, carried the torch for the ceremonial lighting of the "B." 

Friday evening during halftime, former Brookwood student Holly Hobbs' family was honored with the retirement of her softball jersey.  Many thanks to Holly's family and friends for joining Brookwood in honoring this wonderful individual.

The Class of 1991 and Class of 1997 were present at the game Friday.  The Class of 1991returned to campus Saturday for a special tour by Mrs. Larson.   Thanks to all members of the classes who returned for this special weekend. 

The week culminated with the Homecoming Dance that filled the Commons Area in Flowers Hall.  Dancing was non-stop until 11:30.

Congratulations to Jon Johnson, this week's Warrior of the Week!

Last week we continued to practice procedures for emergency situations.  I was very pleased Thursday as we drilled the entire school with a "lockdown."  Every building and room was completely secured in less than four minutes.  We are now evaluating the entire procedure and correcting any breakdowns.  Our teachers and I have talked with the students and explained why it is necessary to be sure as many possible situations are prepared for.  Please take the time to talk to your children openly about these practices as well.

Annual Fund participation letters and envelopes will be mailed on Monday.  Thank you for your continued support of Brookwood School. 

I am sure by now you have received and reviewed your child's report card with them.  Thanks to you all for discussing the positive as well as the not so positive.

Soon you will be receiving your special code that will enable each family to go online and complete a survey to fulfill our accreditation process.  Thank you in advance for taking the few minutes necessary to complete this very important information.

I hope everyone has a great weekend spending some quality time with our greatest gifts.

                                                                                    Blessings,

                                                                                    Mike Notaro
                                                                                    Headmaster



UPPER SCHOOL NEWS (David Grooms)

Drama Guild Advances to State Competition

Thursday, November 2nd, the Region 3AA One Act Play competition was held at the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe Building.  The Drama Guild performed a rousing rendition of The Boyfriend as their play for the event.  Brookwood placed 2nd overall in the event, which qualified them to advance to the GISA state competition at Darton College in Albany next Wednesday, November 8th.  The judges had many great compliments for The Boyfriend, as directed brilliantly again by Mrs. Constance Clineman.  Comments from the judges included:  great energetic opening; fun choreography; awesome scene changes; great attention to detail; a treat for us all; a true ensemble production.

Several students were given recognition for their performances by the judges.  Hananel Mavity, as Madame Dubonnet, was chosen as one of the five All Region Outstanding Actor recipients.  The judges loved in particular her first entrance thought that she presented a great characterization.  The judges also recognized other Brookwood students as All Region Honorable Mention performers.  These included Anna Carroll Sims, as Polly Browne, and her "boyfriend," Tony Brockhurst, played by D.J. Grooms.  Anna Carroll was noted for her "wonderful" characterization by the judges, who also thought that their relationship was "adorable."  Of special importance was the Honorable Mention award for ensemble given to "The Ladies of Madame Dubonnet's Academy.  This ensemble was composed of Abby Lewis, Ashley Laramore, Jennifer Hubbard, Meredith Briscoe, Stormy Koch, Ellen Stauffer, Mickey Betters, Emily Claire Worthey, Mackenzy Martin, Karen Swann, Mary Kathryn Pounds, Katie Rondello, and Kaitlyn Roberts.  "Boyfriends" of the various young ladies included Davis Flowers, Chris Bragg, Colin Alderman, Grant Stauffer, Ben Mavity, Bronson Rash, Will Hanna, and Ty Autry.  Kelly Jackson gave a great performance as Percival Browne, the father of Polly and the love interest of Madame Dubonnet.  Andy Sigler and Catie Hancock were hilarious as Lord and Lady Brockhurst, Tony's parents.  A special thanks goes to Deanna Quinton and Cory Sigler, who served as the crew for the production.  Mrs. Audrey Alderman did a fantastic job as Mrs. Clineman's assistant. 

The Drama Guild would like to thank David Grooms, Jimmy Sadler, Vicky Bryson, Karen Holt, Jackie Crew, Karla George, Debbie Beeson, Carolyn Betters, Tere Sigler, Karen Stauffer and all the other parents and friends of the Drama Guild who worked tirelessly to make this production a success. 

Monday, November 6th at 7:00 p.m. the Drama Guild invites family and friends to view a dress rehearsal of The Boyfriend in Chubb Hall.


MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (Ashley Harper)

In A Spirit of Giving
As we move into the Thanksgiving season, the Middle School invites you to join us in either of two service opportunities.  We are proud of our students and their dedication to helping others, please support our efforts.

PB&J Drive
The Middle School cheerleaders are sponsoring a collection of jars of peanut butter, blankets, and jackets.  Please bring gently used or new items.  The collected items will be donated to the Thomas County Food Bank.  The collection dates are from now until November 17th.  The PB&J boxes will be in Mrs. Harper's and Mrs. Phipps' rooms.  On designated days there will be a box in Flowers Hall and Chubb Hall.

Operation Christmas Child
The 8th and 10th grades are sponsoring the annual Operation Christmas Child project here at Brookwood.  Operation Christmas Child, an outreach program of Samaritan's Purse, which was founded by evangelist Franklin Graham, brings shoeboxes full of personal items and toys for children living in areas affected by war, natural disasters, and poverty. 

Brookwood has been one of this area's largest contributors in the past - let's show our support for Operation Christmas Child.  All Brookwood families are encouraged to participate in this wonderful project. Brochures detailing what and how to pack are available at the front office.  The deadline for turning in filled boxes is November 14th.   More information is listed at the end of this enewsletter.



LOWER SCHOOL NEWS (Francine Wright)
 
Third Graders Dress for Biography Book Reports
Students in third grade finished up the week with their biography book report presentations. The students completed projects and dressed as their character to present biographical information. Each project included five fascinating facts as well as a timeline.

Scholastic Book Fair
The book fair is coming!  The Scholastic Book Fair will be visiting the Williams-Parker Library during the week of November 13-17.

Monday will be a preview day for students.  Students will begin shopping on Tuesday.  Parents who want to do some "secret" shopping are invited to come anytime during the school day.  Remember to stop by the Book Fair before or after the Thanksgiving Dinner on Friday, November 17.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk Art Contest Winners Announced

Southwest Georgia Technical College hosted the 2006 Alzheimer's Memory Walk/Open House on Saturday, October 21.  In conjunction with the walk and open house, first and second grade students were asked to submit entries for an art contest using the theme, "Your Favorite Memory with Your Grandparents".  Nine Lower School students were selected as finalists.

We are proud to announce the following winners from Brookwood:  Gabby Schminky 3rd place, Anne Clifton 3rd place, Pavan Patel 2nd place, Christopher Watt 2nd place and Melanie Quinton 1st place.                     

Way to go Lower School students and Mrs. Roach!

Senior Buddy Halloween

First Graders and Senior Buddies danced to the Monster Mash and enjoyed a question and answer session as they celebrated Halloween in Chubb Hall.




Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival Poster Contest

Stauffer Takes Second Place

Each year, Lower School students submit artwork to the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival Poster Contest.  Of the 3,000 entries submitted from each area elementary schools this year, 100 finalists were selected.  Twelve Lower School students were selected as finalists.

The winner of the Poster Contest was announced during the Unveiling Reception on Wednesday, November 1.  We are proud to announce that the Second Place winner was Allison Stauffer.  Congratulations Allison!  As the Second Place winner, Allison's entry will be made into a sticker and used as the child's festival ticket.  The 100 finalists will have their entries displayed at the Cultural Center from November 2-10 as well as at the Festival on November 18 & 19 in the Wild Discovery Center. 

Congratulations to Mrs. Mandy Roach, to all the finalists, and to all the Lower School students for their continued efforts to cultivate their artistic talents. 

Lower School Thanksgiving Dinner - November 17

Deadline for reservations has been extended to Monday, November 6.


 
ATHLETICS

Football
Our team and cheerleaders travel to Chula, Georgia tonight to take on the Tiftarea Panthers at 7:30 pm. We hope to see you there rooting the Warriors onto victory.

Softball
This past Friday, we honored the life of Holly Hobbs, Class of 1996, after the crowning of the queen. It was a joy for me to get to know Holly through the comments of her classmates, yearbook archives, and comments from former teachers. She had to have been among the very best student-athletes our school has ever had. Holly was a hard working softball player, a leader for her peers, and a person committed to excellence in many areas of her life. I am very pleased that her # 7 jersey is now retired.

On behalf of the Athletic Department, I wanted to take a moment and congratulate Keri McMillan. She received the inaugural Holly Hobbs Award this past Friday night. The award will be given annually to the softball player that best models the character attributes of Holly.

Varsity Letterman Jackets
Starting Monday, Coach Rogers will begin taking orders for those who have lettered in a varsity sport who wish to receive a jacket. The cost for each jacket is $115.

Middle School Football Assembly
We will honor the Middle School Football Team at morning assembly time on Monday, November 6.  Parents of our athletes are welcomed to attend this event.   



Cleaning out your closets??? Jackets and coats to small??

Please support our collection for the  Thomas County Food Bank!!
The Brookwood Middle School Cheerleaders are leading  our school in the spirit of service November 1-17.
We are collecting P,B&J- Peanut Butter, Blankets and Jackets for those in need in our area. 
Send in your donation today!!  Collection boxes located in Mrs. Harper's Room.



 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

The Eighth Graders and the Tenth Graders have chosen Operation Christmas Child as their service project this year.  They would like to enlist your support with this worthwhile project.  Operation Christmas Child delivers millions of gift-filled shoe boxes to hurting children around the world each year.  Brookwood families have participated in this project for years.  Help us make a child's Christmas special by filling a shoe box.

Information will be given out in homerooms.  You can also pick up brochures in the front office. 

Students can bring their boxes to Flowers Hall and leave them with Mrs. Nicholson in Room 1.

Deadline for Drop off: Nov. 14















Detailed school-wide calendar and athletic event information can be found simply clicking the following link: http://www.brookwoodschool.org/page/brookwood_today

Want to know a game score? Check out http://www.brookwoodschool.org/page/athletics